WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1537/97 by Hiltrud BREYER to the Council. Phosphate ester poisoning due to the use of Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen
Date: 1997-05-05
Institutions: BREYER, European Parliament
Subjects: chemical product, child, dangerous substance, domestic animal, health risk, impact study, insecticide, public health

11. 3. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 76/39

weighing between 3 and 10 kg, while dogs with a body weight of more than 10 kg should be treated with Tiguvon
20 G. People who have repeatedly treated their pets with Tiguvon (Fenthion) have suffered serious phosphate
ester poisoning. As the Commission was unable to answer my Question E-1470/96 (1) on the same subject, I
would ask the Council to answer the following questions as a matter of urgency:

Is  the  use  of  neurotoxins  on  animals  or  living  organisms  permissible?  Is  the  Council  aware  that  repeated
application may lead to organic lesions? Can the possibility of mental changes in animals due to chronic damage
be ruled out?

(1)  OJ C 345, 15.11.1996, p. 76.

(98/C 76/113)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1537/97

by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council

(5 May 1997)

Subject: Phosphate ester poisoning due to the use of Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen

The  flea-repellant  Tiguvon  (Fenthion)  manufactured  by  Bayer  Leverkusen  can  be  administered  in  different
forms. Tiguvon 10 is intended for cats over 2 kg in weight. The use of Tiguvon 20 is recommended for dogs
weighing between 3 and 10 kg, while dogs with a body weight of more than 10 kg should be treated with Tiguvon
20 G. People who have repeatedly treated their pets with Tiguvon (Fenthion) have suffered serious phosphate
ester poisoning. As the Commission was unable to answer my Question E-1470/96 (1) on the same subject, I
would ask the Council to answer the following questions as a matter of urgency:

Is  the  Council  aware  of  any  research  findings  that  reveal  the  extent  of  the  danger  to  pet-owners,  especially
children, whose health may be damaged even by small quantities of toxins and who, at their young age, cannot be
assumed to act responsibly?

(1)  OJ C 345, 15.11.1996, p. 76.

(98/C 76/114)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1539/97

by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Council

(5 May 1997)

Subject: Phosphate ester poisoning due to the use of Tiguvon (Fenthion) manufactured by Bayer Leverkusen

The  flea-repellant  Tiguvon  (Fenthion)  manufactured  by  Bayer  Leverkusen  can  be  administered  in  different
forms. Tiguvon 10 is intended for cats over 2 kg in weight. The use of Tiguvon 20 is recommended for dogs
weighing between 3 and 10 kg, while dogs with a body weight of more than 10 kg should be treated with Tiguvon
20 G. People who have repeatedly treated their pets with Tiguvon (Fenthion) have suffered serious phosphate
ester poisoning. As the Commission was unable to answer my Question E-1470/96 (1) on the same subject, I
would ask the Council to answer the following questions as a matter of urgency:

To  what  extent  have  Tiguvon(cid:146)s  interaction  with  other  cholinesterase  inhibitors  and  its  effect  on  humans  and
animals been investigated? Which agents are compatible? How are pet-owners warned of possible substances
having a potentiating effect on Fenthion and other phosphoric acid derivatives?

(1)  OJ C 345, 15.11.1996, p. 76.